Festivals were instituted as
seasons of rest, rejoicing, and thanksgiving, and also as anniversaries to
commemorate events of national importance. The most ancient festivals were
those held after the ingathering of the harvest or vintage, and were celebrated
with rejoicings and merry-makings, which lasted many days, during which time
the first-fruits of the fields were offered to the gods, accompanied by prayers
and thanksgiving.
The festivals held in cities in
honour of special divinities, or in commemoration of particular events, were
conducted with an elaborate ceremonial. Gorgeous processions, games, chariot
races, &c., were conspicuous features on these occasions, and dramatic
performances, representing particular episodes in the lives of the gods and
heroes, frequently took place.
We subjoin a few of the most
interesting of the Greek and Roman festivals.
